Speaking during the launch, Evelyn Samba, Executive Director of YSW, said the dedicated facility will offer young people access to health information, services, and empowerment opportunities in a safe, welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for adolescents and youth.
Samba said that the newly launched space results from a collaborative effort between YSW and the county government, aimed at mainstreaming youth-focused services into the broader county health strategy.
“We have created this youth-friendly space within the health facility with the hope that the adolescents and youths will feel protected and served by medical officials who understand the health care struggles and their concerns,” noted Samba.
The Youth for a Sustainable World has been empowering communities through adolescent- and youth-focused programmes, especially girls and young women, to lead healthy lives.
She pointed out that the organisation was committed to creating a supportive environment, advancing gender equality, and fostering access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services for all.
Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Caleb Opondi emphasised the county’s commitment to supporting the health initiatives in the county.
Opondi assured the public that the county was committed to providing support to any organisation willing to partner with the county in making health care accessible to all.
He also disclosed that the county will be including 30 percent of local health facility revenues to maintain and operationalize the health care system across the county.
“I am calling upon the development partners to join hands in sustaining noble initiatives like Youth for a Sustainable World to make our health care system better for our county residents,” said Opondi.
Lorena Akoba, a local youth representative, disclosed the challenges that youth face, like Gender Based Violence (GBV), rape, early pregnancies and Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) that make them shy to visit health care facilities.
Akoba said that the establishment of the Youth-Friendly Space at Ndege Oriedo Dispensary will not only give hope to the adolescents and youths but also serve the community living around Ndege village.
